DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORS 10.23.12

Our condolences to the family of Raymond Bravo, who passed away last week. A lifelong resident of St Augustine, he spent over 40 years working with the St Augustine Sightseeing Trains after serving in the United States Army Air Corps. He was an active member of the USO, Sons of the Confederate Veterans, Elks Lodge and Gideon International.

Don’t miss the opening reception of Transliteration at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum being held this Friday from 5 to 9pm. Featured painter Sara Pedigo and poet Elizabeth Robbins first worked together when Robbins requested that Pedigo create the cover for her latest book of poems entitled “Play Button.” This exhibition is part of Flagler College’s program, “Ideas and Images: Scholars and Artists in Residence.” You can also see Pedigo’s work at Plum Gallery at 9 Aviles Street. The Crisp-Ellert Art Museum is located at 48 Sevilla Street.

On Saturday the 27th there is an afternoon of music offered to one and all at the Plaza de la Constitucion. Hosted by the Sterry Piano Company, local musicians will be on stage from noon to 6pm. The schedule includes Elizabeth Roth and Jan King with guitar and vocals, Renea D Williams, pianist/soprano, Zachery Silva on the Marimba, Gary L Wingard, guitar/vocals, Chelsea Kozikowski, soprano, Zane Crecelius, pianist, David Young, guitar/vocals, Skylar Revis on the piano, Allen Hood with his fiddle, Anna M Smith on the piano and then a special performance to close out the show. Admission is free but remember to bring a chair or blanket.

Everyone’s friend, artist Wendy Tatter reminds us that this Saturday is Uptown Saturday Night and the Uptown San Marco merchants are hosting a food drive to benefit the Second Harvest food bank. Cans and packaged goods can be dropped off to participating shops on Saturday night. The Florida Olive Press, W B Tatter Gallery and others will be taking 10% off a purchase when you donate food so come on out for this always fun event and help out Second Harvest so they can help others.

Our friends from the Lincolnville Farmer’s Market invite everyone to the Harvest and Halloween Festival this Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Events include the Kid’s Parade and Pet Costume Contest from noon to 1pm followed by the Magic Show with Sparky the Clown. There’ll be face painting, trick or treating, live music, food tasting, fresh produce, bread, treats plus arts and crafts. Fun for all ages so be sure to mark it on your calendar.

On November 2 the Family Legacy Concert will be held at the Lohman Auditorium at Whitney Lab, 9505 Ocean Shore Boulevard (A1A) right across the street from Marineland. This benefit event will help fund the 2013 Gamble Rogers Folk Festival held in May of next year. Performing at the Legacy concert will be David Elliott Johnson and his son Devin. Rachel Carrick will join her dad, Jim Carrick, a friend of Gamble’s and Amanda Anderson and her dad, Scott Anderson will take the stage together. Festival organizer, Paul Linser, is excited about featuring some incredibly talented young voices as they show how the musical legacy is handed down from one generation to the next. Doors open at 6:30 and seating is general admission. Advance tickets are $15 and $20 at the door. You can buy them at Simple Gestures, Music Matters or by calling Paul at 794-4163. Save the date, enjoy the drive out to Whitney, listen to the amazing music and help raise funds for the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival all at the same time.

There’s a free concert at the St Augustine Amphitheatre featuring the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba being held at 4pm on Sunday, November 4. This is the orchestra’s first tour in the US and we are so fortunate to have them here in St Augustine. This performance is offered as a gift to the St Augustine and St Johns communities from the University of Florida and its partner groups including EMMA, Flagler College, St Johns Cultural Council, St Augustine Record, Eco Latino Magazine, St Augustine Amphitheatre, St Johns Tourist Development Council, St Augustine 450th Commemoration and VIVA Florida 500. Thanks to everyone who made this possible.

There’s just a hint of fall in the air, but I’ll take it after the long summer. Walking through the plaza last Wednesday evening I stopped to watch the strands of lights being strung through the trees so you know the holidays are almost upon us. Be sure to support your local merchants and restaurants as you start making your lists.